The Delaware GOP held their convention on Saturday, and to be honest, the most exciting news to come form it, may have been the expulsion of two members of the IPOD for impersonating press and not having credentials. Let me say, that all of the amenities, such as the decorations and the food, and the arrangements were well done. The check in for guest and delegates seemed to go off without a hitch. At least from my side of the table, and I heard no one complaining. So congratulations to the Committee in charge of the arrangements.
I arrived in time to enjoy the Prayer Breakfast, the food was good and the company pleasant. There were four speakers, including Sen. Bryant Richardson, who was followed by three men of the cloth. The final speaker, who was African-American, made a point of telling us that the Republican Party needed to work towards not being a single race party, or a single gender party. Meaning stop being the party of old white men.
The thing is, there was only one faith represented at the prayer breakfast, Christianity. All four speakers were Christian, and made no reference to other faiths. Now I know Saturday is the Sabbath for Jewish people, but surely there was one Rabi available to speak for ten minutes. And of course having an Imam speak in a room, with so many potential concealed carries would be risky, but come on, if we are going to grow the party, should we send the quiet message? Christians only?
Following the breakfast, we all went upstairs to the convention hall where the convention was officially called to order. We had the formalities of the minutes and such being approved by a vote.
Chairman Copeland then announced that Laird Stabler had been re-elected to the position of National Committeeman, defeating Kevin Wade.
The next order of business was to approve the slate of National Delegates. And of course this could not go off without some kind of Sussex County style disruption. Sussex County Delegate Bruce Fitzgerald stood to be recognized and asked whether the Delegates would be voted on individually, or as a slate. The Chairman stated that it would be done as a slate, this is when Miguel Pirez-Fabar, also a Delegate, and also the Sussex County GOP Parliamentarian could be heard shouting something about the rules. This Sussex outburst was shut down by the state Parliamentarian, and the entire slate of delegates were approved.
Next was the Delaware Chairman of the Donald Trump Campaign, Rob Arlett. Of course we got what one would expect. The telling part was when he asked how many people in the room had attended the Trump event in Harrington, maybe ten people raised their hands. Then he asked how many had already been volunteering for Trump, I saw three hands go up. Obviously this was not a Trump room. But of course that plays to Trump’s pandering message of being outside the establishment.
Sen. Brian Pettyjohn gave the keynote address, and it was a message that touched on unity, but focused on hard work for candidates to “turn the tide” of one party rule. It was a well thought out speech, but seemed to fall on deaf ears. I have been to something like five or six conventions now, and I have to say, this was one of the lowest energy conventions I can remember. The applauds were golf like.
This may be due to the fact that Chairman Copeland had made it clear the endorsement of the party at this convention was meaningless, since the endorsed candidate receives no special treatment from the party until after the primary. Making the convention meaningless on the state level.
At this point, once again Sussex County showed its true self. Delegate Tom Jordan asked what is the definition of a candidate. If my readers will remember, I addressed this question in an earlier post. The issue some have, is that some candidates have not yet paid their filing fees. It was once again explained to them, that once a person files a committee with the state, they are a candidate, the filing fee only puts their name on the ballot. Once again Sussex County makes it known they have no idea about the rules and laws governing elections.
There were only two races with more than one candidate, Insurance Commissioner, and Governor.
The governor’s vote went off with little or no trouble, and Colin Bonini received the endorsement. Of course his opponent Lacey Lafferty later issued a statement about how she is the only “people’s candidate”, and how this establishment endorsement is meaningless.
I had expected this response, and I will make another prediction now, when Lacey Lafferty loses the primary, she and her crew will run a right-in campaign in the model of Jeff Christopher.
That leaves me nothing more to talk about than the vote for Insurance Commissioner, which I covered in a previous post. The fact that it was more contentious than the governor’s vote is striking. This vote was between Jeff Cragg, former candidate for governor, and George Parish, former Sussex County Clerk of the Peace. It required two votes to get it wrong.
On the first vote Mr. Parish had a slight majority, but not the required sixty percent. On the second vote it was announced that Mr. Parish had received 60.8% of the vote and had received the endorsement. However, upon further review, it was determined he had not received the 60% required, and Chairman Copeland chose to take the easy way out and the Convention chose to endorse neither candidate. No great loss, it only demonstrates once again how meaningless the convention is.
But let me take a minute to talk about two of the people who nominated Jeff Cragg. Mr. Cragg in my opinion made a wonderful choice, and a horrible choice. The person who put Mr. Cragg’s name into nomination was Carl Pace, who is running for the 14th Senatorial District. Mr. Pace is a small businessman who is well spoken and high energy. He is a young family man and has long been involved in his community.
On the other hand, Mr. Cragg for some unknown reason chose local talk radio host Duke Brooks to give one of the seconding speeches. Now most of you know my opinion of Duke Brooks, and his history concerning the women of Sussex County. I find him to be a buffoon and cannot for the life of me understand any benefit of having him speak. I mean the guy gave a seconding speech at the GOP State Convention with a blue tooth in his ear! Really?
The convention is over, four hours that in the end mean little. It is now time for Republicans to get out there, and in the words of Sen. Pettyjohn, turn the tide of one party rule in Delaware. This will not happen at the state party level, it will not happen because of the County Committees, it will only happen because of, and when, individuals get involved with campaigns they choose to support. Look for local clubs and groups to work with and within, who more closely share your views and opinions. Support candidates with proven records, either as legislators, or within their communities.
Not a half bad report, Frank. Pretty well sums up what happened.
I am still going to write my own take.
“…but surely there was one Rabbi available to speak for ten minutes”
This is the thing, Frank, and it is endemic to the way the GOP generally operates as the party of old white, and Christian, men.
Do you know WHY there wouldn’t have been a Rabbi available to speak this past weekend? Any clue at all?
Passover ended Saturday at sundown.
Now, you aren’t going to get many Orthodox takers on a Saturday in the first place, but when your meeting is scheduled for Acharon Shel Pesach, the last day of Passover – it’s a holy day, Frank.
And, here’s the thing… the meeting was scheduled on a day that even a lot of nominally observant Jews are not going to be available for a political convention. Why? Well, there’s where minds will differ. If some organization had scheduled a meeting on, say, Christmas or Easter Sunday (or even Sunday at all), you might think one of two things. Either that group is pretty dense about religious observances of a significant portion of the population, or that group doesn’t care if any of that group show up. At worst, there are those who think that sort of “planning” is by design – i.e. that group is not wanted there.
But, no, nobody planning a GOP prayer breakfast is going to check a calendar to see whether that day might conflict with a significant religious observance going on that day by some non-Christian faith. What the heck for?
Frank
Like I said before, nothing you print has much truth to it. Our press passes are legitimate and issued by “The Midlantic Dispatch,” to all staff reporters. As press, we were there to report the event and you, Steve Grossman and Jeff Cragg were in fear of the truth and filed a complaint. The reason I know this Frank is, either you or Grossman bragged about it to my business partner. You’re not very smart, are you? It is my hope that you come to a full knowledge of the truth.
God bless you Frank.
… made a point of telling us that the Republican Party needed to work towards not being a single race party, or a single gender party. Meaning stop being the party of old white men.
What about…
….this is when Miguel Pirez-Fabar, also a Delegate, and also the Sussex County GOP Parliamentarian…
Of course his opponent Lacey Lafferty later issued a statement about how she is the only “people’s candidate”…
(Frank supports the old white man)
He (Pace) is a young family man and has long been involved in his community.
Let’s see… a Hispanic, a woman and a young guy.
Now, to the old white man…
On the other hand, Mr. Cragg for some unknown reason chose local talk radio host Duke Brooks to give one of the seconding speeches.
Maybe Cragg doesn’t share your pathological hatred of 3pm GMD hosts. Maybe you would prefer an Imam in that time slot?
It is now time for Republicans to get out there, and in the words of Sen. Pettyjohn, turn the tide of one party rule in Delaware.
Start in SOSNCC. That is the heart of the beast.
Hey Don?
“Frank
Like I said before, nothing you print has much truth to it.”
Like this fine example of your work?
“GEORGE PARRISH WINS ENDORSEMENT AT DE GOP STATE CONVENTION”
I’d like to see you use your MidLantic Dispatch press pass and decoder ring to get into the press box at a Phillies or even a Blue Rocks game. Press Passes are issued by the organization you are covering, otherwise anyone could print one at home, just like you did.
For many years we had a vibrant, lively and often contentious Republican party with conventions that many people attended and cared about the outcome. Somewhere along the line it stopped being either fun or relevant. I miss those days.
For reasons I fail to understand, the convention which used to be important and meaningful has turned into a fundraiser for the party. These days if you want to go to the convention, even as a delegate, you must purchase a ticket. So much for being a welcoming big tent party. How many poor folks will be attracted to a party where you have to pay to be an active participant.
As I recall, the 60% nomination rule was for the purpose of providing an “endorsed” candidate with the support of the party organization. In today’s climate, where the State Committee provides almost nothing in the way of resources, is any of this really important to a statewide campaign?
I have been to many conventions but given the current state of affairs it is unlikely that I will attend another one of these garden parties in the future.
@Truth
We applied to the Trump organization for PRESS passes to enter both the Berlin and Harrington Rallies and received them without incident. Upon arrival to both events, we were in the press box.! Does that answer your question Truth! The only person questioning the validity of our staff press passes is HATE BLOGGER, FRANK KNOTTS.
Fish Bites, I have to admit myself not realizing that it was the last day of Passover. My apologies.
And yes Rick I would prefer an Imam at 3pm, if they are open to real conversation, unlike Doobie Brooks.
And again Don, point to what is incorrect here. As for you “Press Badges”. So if I issue myself a badge for Delaware Right, am I “Press”?😂
You can print up all the press cards you want , Frank, but you will never be legitimate PRESS — just a hate blogger. If you sent Hillary a dollar and got your WOMAN Card, would that make you a real woman, Lesbiman?
Well Frank, you are not a journalist and don’t have those credentials. The only credentials you have are those of FRANK KNOTTS HATE BLOGGER. They don’t give press credentials for that category!
God Bless you Frank Knotts
“We applied to the Trump organization for PRESS passes to enter both the Berlin and Harrington Rallies and received them without incident.”
So what? Was the Trump organization also offering passes on behalf of the DE GOP? No.
It’s up to the organization holding the event to decide who or what they admit as “press”. You seem to have understood that about the Trump rallies, but you don’t apply it to the DE GOP convention.
“Fish Bites, I have to admit myself not realizing that it was the last day of Passover. My apologies.”
Hey, it’s not your circus, so don’t worry. When it is one’s actual responsibility to organize events of public interest, then it is worth checking out what other sorts of things are going on that day.
Athena, I unlike other people have never claimed to be press or a journalist, just opinionated.
And Don what credentials do you have beyond those you printed for yourself?
It continues to be a glaringly obvious issue that the Republican Party must do more to attract women and people of a different color to the Republican Party as well as people under the age of 60. Yet I see no proactive effort from the Sussex County Republican party to motivate and attract this diversity. In fact, anytime I have seen a person younger than 55 show up, it doesn’t take long before I see them disappear from the Sussex County Executive Committee meetings. Ever notice that? So they do a good job in scaring the diversity away. On another point, a bit of advice for candidates running for office….Duke Brooks is not your go to person if you are trying to attract the woman vote or voters under 60. Anyone who has actually interacted with him or have heard him on the radio long enough knows why. Enough said.
As an investigative reporter, I feel the need to now come in and give my two cents. I was not going to say anything (this would be my first post on this blog btw, go me!), but there is a TON of misinformation out there right now.
Press creds are given out by the event, not the media outlet. It’s up to we, the outlet, to secure those credentials for said event. That responsibility falls to me or my news director. This was the case for the state GOP convention.
By the way, my name was not on the list for this event. I showed up and explained who I was with, they added me to the list and gave me my press pass with no issue. They were very cordial with me. I’m curious why this did not happen in this instance? Judging from the post I see, a “press pass” is made out as a master key to anything and everything. That is simply not the case.
There is a reason behind this. Not only is it proper etiquette, but there is security behind this as well. The Super Bowl is a prime example. Can you imagine if they allowed anyone with self-printed creds in? There is only enough space allotted for press. Locally, NASCAR race at the Monster Mile. Same good example. I also have a state-issued press pass, but that does not give me a license to enter any event and cover it without consent from the organizer OR letting them know we would be there to cover it.
Fact is, they want the event covered by the media. I’m not trying to speak on behalf of the state GOP but I’m sure if the Midlantic Dispatch went through the proper procedure, there would not have been an issue. State GOP had every right to escort them out because of it.
I still do not see the big deal over this convention. It was nothing more than a formality of the State GOP to hold the event.
Frank you continue to misquote on two of your posts that Chairman Copeland did not have an endorsement of candidates. It was a straw pole for the days entertainment.
You shouldn’t be upset over your boss not winning it.
It doesn’t matter.
What matters is four months from now is the primary. That is one that matters, all else is just political game playing.
Pretty insignificant.
Henry the term is straw poll. The straw pole term you’re using is shoved up a scarecrows a$$ in a field to make him stand upright.
CJ Hiler,
Henry has the same educational background as Don Ayotte. It’s like they are identical, perhaps twins?
I bet you that Henry has met Don and that he thinks Don is a genius and a pioneer in the news/blogging world. It’s a shame the original DA has to sit and watch his work slip to the level it has become.
Henry, as I pointed out on the other thread, you are confused as to the difference between an endorsement, and a nomination. Chairman Copeland clearly explained, prior to NDA’s arrival, that the what was taking place was an endorsement of the candidates by the convention, and that no party resources would be made available to either candidate prior to a candidate receiving the nomination following the primary.
And I have only one boss, and I married her 33 years ago. If you and your fellow personalities knew half of what you think you know, you would still know nothing.
Wait, so the whole slate was voted on at once, and then this comes out??? When they said the party is unified, did they happen to mention they meant unified in support of Trump?
http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/30/politics/delaware-republican-convention-donald-trump/index.html
Frank,
You just don’t listen. You better talk to Charlie before you look stupid again. Oh, too late!
And yes Rick I would prefer an Imam at 3pm, if they are open to real conversation, unlike Doobie Brooks.
Really? An Imam? Since when is an Imam “open to real conversation?”
Hundreds of people call-in to GMD. Nobody cares if you don’t, Frank.
Henry the term is straw poll. The straw pole term you’re using is shoved up a scarecrows a$$ in a field to make him stand upright.
CJ Hiler,
Henry has the same educational background as Don Ayotte. It’s like they are identical, perhaps twins?
I bet you that Henry has met Don and that he thinks Don is a genius and a pioneer in the news/blogging world. It’s a shame the original DA has to sit and watch his work slip to the level it has become.
“I bet you (?)”
Is he yours to bet?
Instead of focusing on an unintentional misspelling of “poll,” why can’t you comment on the content of Henry’s post?
Rick what makes you so sure it was an intentional misspelling ?